Mexican Made Easy - Episode Guide

Keep your PJ's and slippers on 'cause Marcela is making brunch - Mexican style! After a long night's sleep, nothing is better than a hearty breakfast and if you love nachos Marcela's Chilaquiles Casseroles are sure to satisfy your hunger. These crispy tortilla chips bathed in a roasted tomatillo sauce, drizzled with sour cream and melted cheese are a delicious alternative to your everyday breakfast. In the mood for eggs?... you're in luck, as she serves up her 'No-Brainer' Eggs Benedicto next, with a fast and easy-to-make chipotle hollandaise sauce. Add a fresh pot of Mexican coffee, lightly spiced with brown sugar, cinnamon and a twist of orange peel and you've got a wickedly good weekend brunch.

Marcela has the perfect playbook for putting together Mexican-themed snacks for the big game. First up, Marcela's classic Game-Winning Guacamole with Fresh-Baked Tortilla Chips. Her Smokin' Shrimp Skewers marinated in smoky chipotle sauce and her honey glazed Sweet & Spicey Drumettes brushed with a chile ancho and pecan sauce, round out the line-up. Marcela then makes a batch of refreshing Micheladas, cold beer served in chilled mugs with a little salt and lime juice thrown in.

With Valentine's Day approaching, Marcela designs a cozy, romantic, winter meal that is sure to warm up hearts and bellies. Marcela prepares a Butternut Squash Soup that has a kiss of chipotle flavor, followed by a tender Ancho-Crusted Rack of Lamb served with a mint jelly sauce. For dessert, Marcela puts a fresh Mexican spin on a classic strawberry pie with her Sweet Strawberry Tartlets.

Perfected over a lifetime, Marcela opens the family cookbook and shares some favorites including authentic Baja-Style Beer-Battered Fish Tacos served with a fiery, fresh tequila-infused Drunken Salsa and lemon cream sauce. For dessert, her family's ultimate Choco-Flan, half chocolate cake and half flan drizzled with a creamy caramel-like topping.

Marcela puts her own personal and contemporary spin on some Mexican classics. In this episode she'll share a creative short-cut and secret ingredient for making the 'easiest' Chicken Mole Enchiladas ever, whip up a beautiful Golden Beet Carpaccio-style Salad drizzled with chile infused olive oil, and show viewers how to make her son's favorite cinnamon sugar crispy dessert, Buñuelos.

Get ready to fire up the grill -- because in this episode Marcela's putting together a 'taquiza' or Mexican cookout. First up, juicy Beer Marinated Skirt Steak served with fresh salsa and grilled green onions. Two great side dishes to complement this meat come next, consisting of Sautéed Potatoes with Chorizo (Mexican sausage) and Creamy Poblano Pepper Strips (or "Rajas"). And to wash it all down, a refreshing pitcher of Watermelon & Mint "Agua Fresca" or fruit-blended water.

Marcela treats friends to her Mexican Shrimp Burgers inspired by a classic Puerto Vallarta street food and tops them with a Mexican-style aioli with avocado, chile, and lime. To finish her festive seafood menu, she prepares Grilled Avocado and Scallop Salad and a side of Jalapeno Buttered Corn.

To celebrate the favorite men in her life, Marcela creates a menu worthy of a manly appetite. With her father, brother and son as guests, Marcela makes Hearty Mexican Rice and Spicy Surf-n-Turf Trio complete with chicken, flank steak and shrimp tossed in a Mexican salsa. Her 3-Shot Cocktail inspired y the Mexican flag and served in three separate shot glasses, includes tequila (white), fresh lime juice (green), and homemade sangria (red).

Classic American dishes get a South-of-the-Border twist as Marcela makes a Poblano Potato Salad with an addition of fresh poblano chiles, Mexican Meatloaf with a spice kick and Baja-Style Lemonade infused with rosemary and sweetened with Mexico's agave syrup.

Marcela's family and friend's gather for her son Fausto's birthday and are treated to a monsters-and-aliens-themed menu of Out-of-this World Cupcakes oozing a warm, creamy, caramel-like filling (cajeta), Flying Saucer Mini-Pizzas with Fausto's favorite toppings, chorizo and cheese and Monster Fruit Pops enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

When temperatures soar, Marcela makes the perfect menu for staying cool including Mexican Caprese Salad, Chilled Avocado Soup and Tilapia Ceviche. And, as a simple version of a classic Mexican frozen concoction, Marcela serves No-Fuss Fruity Mexican Ice, a healthy recipe using fruit that is handy and in season.

Marcela entertains a chic and swanky cocktail party with a menu to match including Spicy Crab Cakes topped with Guacamole, Goat Cheese Tartlets with Raspberry Chile Chutney and cucumber based Mexican Martinis.

Though Mexico is known for its tacos, Marcela shows viewers the popular Mexican Milanese Sandwiches made with ciabatta rolls (bolillos) and stuffed with thinly pounded chicken breast that has been breaded and fried. Accompanying the street-inspired menu are Creamy Corn Cups with mix-and-match toppings like chile powder, sour crème, lime juice, and shredded cheese and Sweet Cinnamon Flavored Oatmeal Drinks.

Marcela is sure to please her female luncheon guests with this easy, but elegant menu of Baja Style Lobster & Mango Salad, Veracruz-Style Grouper and Mexican Mango Cake.

Taking delicious Mexican dishes on the go has never been easier with Marcela's menu of Mexican-Style Slaw a simple salad of shredded jicama, beets, cucumber and rings of red arbol chiles, Warm Picnic Burritos filled with shredded dry beef (machaca) and Quick-n-Easy Coconut Bark using condensed milk and coconut baked to perfection.

Marcela and her family gather outdoors at a large farm table to feast on Marcela's Jalapeno Roast Chicken with broccolini and Chile and Cheese Rice, a layered dish of rice, rich poblano chile strips, and cheese. To wash down the flavor, Marcela serves refreshing Vanilla Pineapple Water.

Marcela cooks for the soul with these classic Mexican favorites like a Classic Tortilla Soup garnished with fried or baked tortilla strips, smoked chiles, avocado, cheese, cilantro and lime. Next she prepares Stuffed Poblano Chiles ("Chile Rellenos"), a hearty and traditional Mexican dish. For dessert, it's Mexican Rice Pudding ("Arroz con Leche") redolent of cinnamon, vanilla and raisins.

Marcela shows how to prepare a variety of heart-healthy legume-inspired dishes, including her Warm White Bean and Steak Salad and hearty Mexican Bean Stew. She also cooks Baked Quesadillas in a Bean Salsa ("Enfrijoladas") and an appetizing Toasted Bean & Cheese Open-Face Sandwich ("Molletes").

Marcela makes a delicious menu quick and easy with Mediterranean-inspired Baked Cod with Olives and Limes with hints of capers and rosemary, Fresh Avocado Tomatillo Salsa, blending tomatillos, avocado, cilantro, serrano chiles, and lemon juice and Trouble-Free Chicken Tostadas with a julienned radish topping. Lastly, Marcela prepares her Fast Fruit Delight, fruit drizzled with sweet condensed milk and creamy Kahlua.

In this episode, Marcela makes a menu that highlights four key culinary gifts that Mexico has given the world (corn, chocolate, avocadoes, and chiles) and shows viewers how easy it is to incorporate these into their favorite mouth-watering Mexican dishes. Like Easy Corn Tamales, fluffy and delicious...Mexican Chocolate Margaritas, with chocolate liqueur, cinnamon, and of course, tequila... smooth Avocado Flan with crunchy sweet corn kernels...and Stress-Free Salsa, cooked with two kinds of chiles.

Getting together for the 'big game' is an American tradition, but it's also the perfect time to serve up some hearty Mexican food. Marcela scores a touchdown with her friends as she has them over and serves up some Sweet and Spicy Short Rib Tacos, bubbly baked Manchego cheese with chorizo, Turkey Picadillo Sliders (a meaty Mexican sloppy Joe), and Spicy Clamato and Beer cocktails.

One of Mexico's most hauntingly beautiful and famous holidays is la Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Occurring at the beginning of November, Mexicans everywhere honor their deceased loved ones by preparing some of their favorite dishes. Here Marcela will host a party and serve up some rich and comforting dishes that remind her of relatives who are no longer with her. Like salmon baked in corn husks with mushroom rice, pork-stuffed chiles in a white walnut sauce, Baja shrimp sauteed in white wine, and a traditional pecan pie made with spiced Mexican chocolate.

One of the hottest food trends today is "Baja Med," the fusion of Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors pioneered in Marcela's home state of Baja. In this episode she gives us her own take on this movement with these delectable dishes: Shrimp Gobernador Tacos with shrimp, peppers, and tomatoes; Baja-Style Tuna Tartare with capers, olives, and sesame seeds; an original-style Caesar salad (which was invented in Tijuana); and figs cooked in a sweet syrup made from Baja wine and honey.

Marcela's favorite sous chef is her son, Fausto, and in this show she demonstrates some of her favorite kid-friendly recipes. She starts with a Morning Mexican Frittata made with eggs and plenty of cheese. Then Sweet & Easy Pineapple Empanadas, which are as fun to make as they are to eat. Crispy Turkey Mini Tacos are kid-sized and full of healthy ingredients. And Marcela's delicious sauté of zucchini and corn served in scooped-out zucchini "ships" are a fun way for kids to get their veggies.

Marcela gives some classic American Fall flavors a Mexican twist, with a fresh take on the season's favorite dishes. She injects tequila into turkey and uses it in her marinade to add a Mexican kick. Her potato gratin gets a unique smoky flavor from poblano chiles, while her pumpkin is glazed with traditional piloncillo sugar. She also makes Mexican Stuffed Mushrooms with bacon, creamy requeson cheese, and chard.

Marcela presents four sides that are perfect for any holiday menu, and easy enough to make anytime. First, brussel sprouts cooked in a sweet and spicy chipotle chile cream. Then potato croquettes filled with cheese and chiles and pan-fried until crispy. Next she mashes roasted squash and garlic into a sweet puree topped with sautéed apples. And then bakes yams and apples with marshmallows, finished with a delicious crunchy streusel topping.

There's no party better than a Mexican fiesta, and there are no foods better for celebrations than fiesta foods: panela cheese with chipotle cream, shrimp casserole with roasted poblano chiles, Mini chorizo and cheese quiches, and citrus tacos wrapped in slices of jicama instead of tortillas.

In this show Marcela cooks up some traditional holiday dishes for her large family to enjoy -- and viewers will too! -- Heartwarming traditional beef stew (aka "pozole"), Mexican Christmas salad with apples and walnuts, quick and easy coconut flan, and a warm winter tequila punch.

Marcela makes some of her personal holiday favorites, sure to catch on with her viewers: Cilantro-Avocado Mousse, Roast Pork With Sweet and Spicy Plum Sauce, Rice With Ancho Chiles and Pine Nuts, and a stress-free Mexican Chocolate Souffle.

In this show Marcela makes three Mexican bunch dishes that everyone will love, all of them a snap for any home cook: traditional "cowboy beans" made with chorizo and bacon; crepes with cheese and corn and topped with creamy poblano sauce; and cheese fritters dipped in Mexican hot chocolate.

Forget about fast-food burritos, heavy creams and fried tortillas, in this episode Marcela will show how traditional Mexican food is unprocessed and healthy, as she whips up four especially 'healthy Mexican" recipes: grilled steak tacos rolled in lettuce leaves; spicy shrimp broth with lime and cilantro; Mexican chayote squash with cool yogurt dip; and a citrus spritzer sweetened with agave syrup.

There's no reason to spend a lot of money to eat great food: Marcela will make four delicious Mexican specialties that are also budget-conscious: traditional meatball soup in rich tomato broth; Mexico City-style tacos with pasta and queso fresco; chicken with a smoky peanut-chipotle sauce; and Mexican chocolate bread pudding, made with leftover bread.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Marcela! This tasty, easy-to-make menu features a festive food line-up perfect for any occasion - including chunky guacamole with serrano peppers, steak quesadillas, yellow chiles bursting with spicy shrimp, and ice cold piña colada pops.

It's time to show mom a little extra love with Marcela's mami's day brunch party. To start, healthy mexican-style granola, followed by Marcela's mom's surefire recipe for mouth-watering chicken enchiladas. Then hash browns get a spicy addition with the flavor of Mexican chorizo and finally, a sweet dessert for sweet moms, pecan and caramel candies!

Spice meets "Spike" when Marcela welcomes special celebrity guest chef Spike Mendelsohn into the "Mexican made easy" kitchen. There they team up to put a Mexican spin on some American classics -- from burgers "al pastor" to "drunken" strawberry shakes, cilantro-style french fries to Mexican caramel banana cream pie - watch (and taste) what happens when these two power chefs 'mexicanize some favorite American dishes.

See what happens when Marcela and her son Fausto and his friends get cooking in the great outdoors. This fireside menu has dishes both grownups and kids will love, including; campfire dogs, Mexican country-style beans, south of the border s'mores and milk-and-gelatin "strawberry stars."

Preparing a vegetarian meal has never been easier or tastier than when Marcela adds her own personal Mexican spin to it. From her fragrant oregano oven-baked cheese to her south-of-the-border sweet corn and chile lasagna to her delectable creamy trifle al "limon," this veggie-friendly menu will even leave "meat-lovers" wanting more.

It's time to barbeque - Mexican-style! As Marcela shares ideas for spicing up everything from rib-eye with buttery roasted garlic and ancho chiles to grilled tostadas paired with mexican cheese and pickled jalapeños, onions, and carrots! Throw on some grilled zucchini and bean salad and tequila drenched b-b-q peaches and you've got a mexi-grill to remember!

Marcela answers the eternal question: What to get Dad for Father's Day? Well when it comes to her dad, the answer is cooking up a Mexican feast that combines all his favorites, including clams with chorizo and tequila, a luscious chile-braised lamb shank, sweet corn mashed potatoes, and even a brussel slaw spiced with ancho chiles.

Join Marcela for a tasty breakfast buffet that features eggs served with two tasty sauces, empanadas rich with poblano cream cheese, and an indulgent mexican chocolate banana cake.

Marcela will bring the flavors of her favorite taco stand right into your kitchen when she shows viewers how to make such Mexican street classics as; tequila and herb carne asada and adobo-rubbed chicken tacos, crispy-crunchy cheese and a healthy, minty lemonade.

Marcela brings the excitement of a beach-side fiesta right into your home with a sun-drenched menu that includes, spicy shrimp and scallop cocktails, zarandeado-style whole fish, poblano rice and thirst-quenching watermelon, jalapeño coolers!

Marcela creates a menu celebrating the diverse culinary gifts of Mexico's tastiest states - including recipes for Jalisco's famous Smothered Pork Sandwich, Baja's beachside Lobster Burrito, Puebla's Pippian Chicken, and Mexico City's Caramel Popcorn Balls.

Marcela combines elegant with easy when she shows viewers how to make the perfect "party pass-arounds" consisting of cilantro scallop skewers, mini brie quesadillas, mini Mexican cheesecakes with an apple compote and frozen lime-rosemary margaritas.

Calling all sweet tooths! Indulge as Marcela makes a menu of one mouthwatering Mexican dessert after another. From a decadent and delightful tres leches cake and chocolate-filled cinnamon-dusted churros to Mexican caramel pastries and marzipan, these '"dulce delights" make up a sweet menu to remember.

Marcela and Margaritas? That's right, it's Cinco de Mayo! To kick off the party, Marcela's making a delicious Spiced Chicken coated in a luxurious Chocolate Pasilla Sauce. Then, a dish best made with extra sets of hands -- cheesy Tamales stuffed with Kale. Good thing she has friends coming over! Next, Marcela fries up the perfect party food to be passed around: Chorizo and Potato Flautas. Let's not forget the cocktail! As the guests mingle, Marcela mixes a Cucumber and Strawberry Margarita that is sure to get the masses cheering!

Marcela got her culinary chops from her momma but that's more than her sister, Carina, can say. This Mother's Day, Marcela and Carina are going to revive some family traditions and bring out their mother's recipes for the ultimate cooking challenge. Will Marcela be able to teach Carina how to make their mother's Polverones, a sweet walnut cookie, in time to celebrate with the kids? If not, that's OK, it's all about the love and Marcela has a few more dishes to share! First off, Tostadas, the perfect crunch topped with deliciously spicy chicken. Also, another one of their mother's favorites, pork slow cooked in a fresh Tomatillo salsa. Grab the kiddies and gather 'round because we're celebrating Mother's Day today on Mexican Made Easy!

Getting dinner on the table, let alone a cherished, authentic dish from your childhood, can be such a challenge! Marcela shares her favorite dishes from the Yucatan, done super easy, for the busy cook. To start, Marcela is making Cochinita Pibil, delicious slow cooked pork marinated in an orange and achiote sauce. Next, simple Panuchos, tortillas stuffed and cooked into a perfect "plate" for the pork. Then, a classic Mexican staple to keep in your fridge for everyday use, pickled Habanero chiles and red onions -- perfect for topping your Panuchos. She'll also make the best Guacamole you've ever had: simple with fresh, bright flavors. Don't forget to leave room for dessert! Marcela's making a Guava Pound Cake inspired by her mom. Get ready because Marcela's making these Mexican classics a cinch!

Marcela gets fresh with us and takes us to the ground ... to pick fresh vegetables, of course! Growing up eating produce straight from her father's farm, Marcela has always been inspired by the freshest fruits and vegetables she can find. At her favorite local farm, Suzie's, Marcela packs up a bounty of produce to make her delicious menu. First up, Pastel Azteca, an amazing, one-dish meal layered with Pablano peppers, melted Oaxaca cheese and tortillas. She'll also whip up a delicious Avacado and Cilantro dip, a perfect appetizer. Next, a warm Butternut Squash Salad tossed in homemade Tangerine-Rosemary Vinaigrette. To sweeten the deal, a beautiful, and simple, Strawberry Meringue Cake. Go ahead and ring the dinner bell because Marcela's bringing the farm fresh favorites!

Start your grills, today Marcela has a Mexican menu for every backyard barbecue! First up, her Poc Chuc Pepitos, delicious marinated steak sandwiches. Marcela pairs her steak sandwich with baby red potatoes, tossed on the grill, then finished with spicy Chipotle butter. Marcela continues the spice by stuffing fiery jalapeno chiles with cheese, wrapping them in bacon and throwing them on the grill for the perfect party kick. Even dessert gets grilled! She's grilling bananas and drizzling them with a spiced chocolate sauce. Indoor or outdoor there's a grill dish to delight everybody, straight from Mexican Made Easy.

Marcela introduces us to her Tia Marcela, her aunt and namesake, as they share some of their favorite family recipes and stories. From one side of the family we get savory Tuna Stuffed Chiles. From another side, the tradition of grandma's meatballs continues in a hearty Lamb Albondiga Soup. Combining Tia Marcela's recipes as well as her own, Marcela makes a savory Sweet Potato Casserole spiced up with Chipotle. Then Tia Marcela finishes things off with her own recipe for tart and refreshing tequila and grapefruit cocktail called Palomas, as they toast the traditions that brought them here!

Oaxaca is one of Marcela's favorite places in all of Mexico, and today she's showing us everything she loves about that city and its fascinating culinary traditions! Talk of food in Oaxaca always starts with Mole Negro, the quintessential sauce famous for its richness and layers of flavor. Next up, Tlayudas, a popular street food which is a kind of Mexican Pizza. Finally, a classic dish with a twist, Oaxacan marinated cheese. Done with fragrant herbs, it's great as an appetizer or for a party! Enjoy the trip as Marcela takes us through these dishes today on Mexican Made Easy.

Today, Marcela is bringing you into her kitchen to share all of the dishes she grew up with! She first makes Arroz Rojo, a traditional red rice. Then she'll whip together a condiment you'll find in refrigerators across the country, crisp Pickled Vegetables. Then there's the classic Caldo de Res, a delicious beef stew to warm up any home. And for dessert, Cajeta Gelatin: It's caramel-like yet light and creamy, and Marcela grew up on this smooth and rich sweet!

Marcela's cooking reels people into her kitchen but today we get to see what she can reel in from the ocean! Marcela and her son Fausto take to the seas of San Diego with her favorite fishmonger to try her luck with a fishing rod. She's going on board with a delicious Crab Avocado Salad to share on the boat as she and the fellas take a break from fishing. Back in her kitchen, Marcela will pan roast halibut in corn husks and make a chipotle cream shrimp that's bound to refuel even the hungriest of sailors. Not only that, Marcela is making fresh and light Lobster Agua Chile, a spiced Ahi Tuna quesadilla and washing it down with a refreshing Honeydew margarita! Get ready to get hooked on these delicious summer seafood recipes!

Today, Marcela shows us just how versatile salsa, the quintessential Mexican condiment, really is as she prepares a delicious, smoky salsa out of Guajillo chiles as well as a fresh, bright Mango Habanero Salsa. Marcela uses these two salsas to make other delicious dishes. The Guajillo Salsa is a perfect base for a slow cooked pork dish know as Enchilado, but then she breaks out the shellfish and uses the same salsa to spice up some Shrimp and Cheese Enchiladas. Next, the Mango and Habanero salsa is spooned over grilled Sea Bass for a refreshing entree and then, Marcela uses the Mango and Habanero salsa to make a Guacamole with a seriously high "wow" factor. Get ready to dance with salsa, today on Mexican Made Easy!

When it comes to dessert, Mexico has been influenced by many flavors from around the globe, and today Marcela shows us some of her favorites! Inspired by the '50s boom of cake mixes, Marcela marries layers of rich, creamy flan and chocolate cake in a Choco Flan that will make your mouth water! Next, light and delicious crepes: Stuffed with pecans, bananas and the classic Mexican caramel called Cajeta, these crepes will turn heads. Then, Marcela makes kid-friendly Caramel popcorn balls that satisfy with a sweet and salty crunch! And finally, an Aztec Hot Chocolate spiced with chile and cinnamon: the perfect treat!

Marcela always includes her son in the kitchen, but today she's going out to teach other kids the importance of good food! At Olivewood Gardens, Marcela picks vegetables with the kids and prepares a healthy Bean, Cauliflower and Cheese Burrito that's sure get an A from the class. The base of these burritos are rich and lightly spiced Chorizo Refried Beans that kids will adore. Back in the kitchen, Marcella prepares simple and delicious Ground Beef Empanadas and Chicken Tostadas. Get the kids ready because they've got plenty of cooking to do!

Mexico is full of incredible and light flavors that will fuel even the busiest of bodies. After yoga class, Marcela shows how she doesn't sacrifice flavor for nutrients when she makes Salpicon, a marinated, shredded beef salad stacked on grilled tostadas, then topped with a fresh and simple Pineapple Salsa. Next, a fresh Shrimp Ceviche bursting with citrus. Finally, to wash it all down, a thirst-quenching Agua Fresca featuring melon and mint. Get out your headbands because Marcela is going to work it out in the kitchen!